“Sorry. It’s just … with the move and everything, there’s just so much to think about.”
“Well, if there’s anything I can ever help with …”
I force a smile and nod. “I appreciate the offer.”
“In the meantime, if you show me everything that needs doing, I can put together a quote. Freya gave me an idea, but I’m sure you have a complete list.”
It’s not really a change of subject, but the change in tone is enough to muddle my thoughts.
“I … uhh. Sure.”
Sliding my chair out, I cover the short distance to the bench.
I turn and walk straight into a solid chest.
Shit.
He chuckles. “Sorry. I thought we’d have a look together.”
I swallow hard, pulling the list up between us.
Caleb takes it from me and runs his gaze down it.
“That definitely looks doable. How quickly do you want it all done?”
I shrug. “The deck straight away. Everything else is cosmetic.”
“Okay.” He smiles. “Lead the way.”
He takes a step back, and I duck through the space to get to the back door.
Once he’s seen the deck, we do a walk through of the house as I point out each issue.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll do the work myself.”
My heart thuds. “Of course I don’t mind.”
“My guys are good, but I’d rather take care of you and your family.”
There’s a golf ball size lump in my throat.
“I hope you don’t mind me hanging around for the next few weeks.”
I can’t help my eyebrows rising. “Weeks?”
“Well, I’ve got other work on too. But this deck’s going to take up this week, and then I can get onto the other things. If that’s okay with you?”
His gaze burns a hole in my brain.
“I … that’s fine. I’m not in any rush.”
The truth is I’d like him around. There’s only one concern I have.
“Could you do it during school hours? The kids get home just after three …”
“And you don’t want to explain me to them?”
I pat my chest in an effort to slow down my racing heart. “Something like that.”
